Research Methods - GCSE Sociology AQA

• Random sampling involves selecting participants purely by chance, giving every individual an equal chance of being chosen.
• Convenience sampling involves choosing participants who are readily available and easily accessible.
• Rapport can also make it easier for the participant to open up about sensitive issues
• Participants are more likely to give honest answers if they feel comfortable with the interviewer, so rapport is important
• Stratified sampling involves dividing the population into subgroups based on certain characteristics and then randomly selecting participants from each subgroup.
• The researcher must be aware that the participants may not always tell the truth
• Stratified random sampling is used to ensure that the sample represents the population accurately based on certain characteristics such as age or gender.
• Quota sampling ensures that the sample has a similar proportion of people from different groups compared to the general population.
• Snowball sampling relies on existing members of the group recommending others who fit the criteria for inclusion in the research.
• Purposive sampling allows researchers to select individuals who have specific experiences or knowledge relevant to their research question.
• Sampling frames can be created using census data, electoral rolls, telephone directories, or other sources.
• Convenience sampling uses whoever is available at the time rather than being representative of the wider population.
• Convenience sampling involves using easily accessible participants, often friends or family members.
• Opportunity sampling involves taking advantage of opportunities to collect data when they arise.
• Purposive sampling allows researchers to select individuals who have specific experiences relevant to their research question.
• Volunteer sampling involves recruiting volunteers through advertisements or word-of-mouth.
• Snowballing involves asking respondents if they know anyone else with similar experiences.
• Quota sampling ensures that different groups are represented in proportion to their size within the target population.
• Stratified random sampling divides the sample into strata based on certain characteristics (e.g., age) and randomly samples from each stratum.
• Quota sampling ensures that different groups are represented based on predetermined quotas.
• Volunteer bias occurs when only those with strong opinions are willing to participate in research.
• Stratified random sampling divides the sample into strata (groups) and randomly samples from within each stratum.
• Cluster sampling involves selecting clusters of people, such as schools or neighborhoods, and then randomly sampling from those clusters.
• Systematic sampling involves selecting every nth person/item until the required number has been reached.
• Systematic sampling involves choosing every nth person or item from a larger group.
• Sampling error occurs when the sample does not accurately represent the target population due to chance factors.
• Non-response error is where some people do not respond or refuse to answer questions, leading to missing data.
• Interviewers' attitudes towards participants can influence responses.
• Self-reporting can be unreliable as participants may lie or forget details.
• Sampling error occurs when the sample does not represent the whole population due to chance factors.
• Sampling error occurs when the sample does not represent the population it was drawn from.
• Question wording can affect how participants interpret and respond to questions.
• Sampling error occurs when the sample does not represent the population it was drawn from.
• Self-selection bias happens when participants choose themselves due to personal interest or motivation.
• The researcher may have an unconscious bias that affects their interpretation of results.
• Questionnaires are standardized sets of questions used to collect information about individuals.
• Advantages of questionnaires include being cost-effective, easy to administer, and allowing large numbers of people to participate.
• Researchers must be aware of potential sources of error and take steps to minimize them.
• Disadvantages of questionnaires include low response rates, lack of control over how they are completed, and potential for misunderstanding.
• Non-response rate is the percentage of people who do not complete the questionnaire, which can lead to sampling error if they are different from those who did participate.